Monday, June 12, 2017

Rebel surrenderers receive gov't cash aid

Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who voluntarily surrendered to the military in Davao del Norte have received cash assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief of the information office of the Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, said the cash assistance was handed over by Gov. Anthony del Rosario to the former rebels at the Provincial Capitol Compound on Tuesday in Tagum City

Each of the four rebels received PHP65,000.00 immediate cash and livelihood assistance, Batchar added.

The voluntary surrender of the four former rebels was facilitated by the 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion, the 68th Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion and the 10th CMO Battalion, under the 10th ID.

“Custodial debriefing reports of surrendering rebels reveal that the government’s CLIP program is among the significant factors they consider in their decisions to return to the folds of the law rather than continue in the NPA’s armed struggle,” Batchar pointed out.

He added that since the lifting of the ceasefire last February 4, over 30 rebels have already voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

In his message during the turn-over ceremony, Gov. Del Rosario told the former rebels to make the most out of their new life and utilize their money wisely.

The former rebels expressed gratitude to the governor and the AFP for the opportunity and by helping them to become productive members of their respective communities.

The 60th IB commander, Lt. Col. Emmanuel A Canilla also made a call to the remaining NPA rebels in Davao del Norte and the rest of the region to heed the government’s call for peace, lay down their arms and avail government support and programs through CLIP.